OFFICE OF THE ARCHBISHOP February 25th, 2025 To the Clergy and Faithful of the Archdiocese of Edmonton Dear Brothers and Sisters in the Lord, In a communiqué from Rome dated today, the Holy See announced that Pope Francis has named me as Archbishop of Vancouver, succeeding the Most Reverend J.…
Pope Francis has appointed Most Reverend Richard W. Smith as the next Archbishop of Vancouver. The Vatican made the announcement on Feb. 25. “I am grateful to His Holiness for the confidence placed in me to assume this new mission, and ask for the assistance of your prayers,” Archbishop Smith…
Homily [1Samuel 26:2, 7-9, 12-13, 22-25; Psalm 103; 1Corinthians 15:45-49; Luke 6:27-38] Over the past week we have all been attentive, I am sure, to the health of the Holy Father. Reports from the Vatican Press Office tell he has been suffering from a polymicrobial infection as well as double…
Fr. Kris Schmidt, pastor of St. Francis Xavier parish in Camrose, is part of a new generation of Flying Fathers. The \”Harlem Globetrotters of hockey\” combine faith and fun with a few antics as well. The Flying Fathers Hockey Club played two exhibition games at Elk Island Catholic Schools.…
Homily [Jeremiah 17:5-8; Psalm 1; 1Corinthians 15:12, 16-20; Luke 6:17, 20-26] In the course of my visit to your parish, I have had occasion to speak with many people, both young and old, about a variety of topics pertaining to the life of this parish and to the Church in…
The Nicene Creed is proclaimed every Sunday, but it’s fair to say that— 1,700 years since its formulation — few Catholics know its deep history, meaning and relevance in modern times. That’s beginning to change in the Archdiocese of Edmonton, starting with more than 1,200 people, young and old.…
Homily [Isaiah 6:1-2a, 3-8; Psalm 138; 1Corinthians 15: 1-11; Luke 5:1-11] I am very pleased to have the opportunity, this weekend, to visit the parish of Corpus Christi. This gives me the occasion to visit the schools associated with the parish, and to meet with representatives of the many…
A lot has changed in the life of the Church over the past 1,700 years, but the Nicene Creed we recite together at each Mass continues to articulate what we believe and shapes our relationship with God. The 2025 Jubilee Year marks the 1,700th anniversary of the first ecumenical council…
National Catholic Health Care Week Feb. 2-8 is a time to give thanks for Catholic health care. Covenant contributes to the health and well-being of Albertans via four Catholic organizations rooted in an over 155-year legacy of compassionate care and service in the province. These include Covenant Health, Covenant Care, Covenant Living and Covenant Foundation. During…
“How do we foster a ‘culture of vocation’ in our Archdiocese and live our mission to be “Pilgrims of Hope”? asks Sr. Mary Clare Stack, one of 10 members of the new Vocations Awareness Committee. Sr. Mary Clare U.J. (Ursuline of Jesus), a member of the spiritual care team at…